Ralph Johnston
Ralph J. Johnston, 78, died July 16, 2003, at Marion.
He was born Feb. 18, 1925, at Marion, the son of Ralph and Dorothea Johnston. He spent most of his childhood living with his grandparents, Harry and Mary Searles.
Ralph graduated from Marion High School in the class of 1943. Several members of that class attended his funeral services.
He entered military service in July of 1943 and was discharged in March of 1946. He was called to service again during the Korean War from 1950 until 1951. He served 45 months in service.
Ralph met and married Wanda Wright at Lyons in 1947. The couple had one daughter, Pat, and one son, Mike.
He went to work for Phillips 66 in March of 1946. The Johnstons spent 25 years at Perryton, Texas. He retired from Phillips in 1985. At that time he and Wanda moved to Marion, his childhood home.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda, and his parents.
Survivors include his son, Mike and his wife Vicki Johnston of Kansas City, Mo.; daughter, Patricia "Pat" Walters of Kansas City; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Services were held Saturday morning at Zeiner Funeral Home with the Rev. Carl Helm officiating. Rose Davidson was organist. Casket bearers were Rex Wilson, Jack Summerville, Bud Pierce, and Richard Johnson. Burial was in Marion Cemetery.
Memorial funds have been established with American Cancer Society and Central Homecare and Hospice.
